Metallic partitioning



Oct. 11, 1938. A. B. BELL METALLIC PARTITIONING Filed Oct. 2, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet l H INVENTOR:

fiifrmj/ EJ31311 BY I [W WEYS.

WITNESSES: Wa.

Oct. 11, 1938. A. B. BELL 2,132,501

I METALLIC 'PARTITIONING I Filed.0ct. 2, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 v "Iiilil-llg g i I I ARNEYS.

Oct; 1 1, 1938. A. B. BELL METALLIC PARTITIONING Filed 001:. 2; 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 3' INVENTOR:

I: 15 BY TORNEYS. 123 15,0 12

Oct. 11, 1938. A E

METALLIC PARTITIONING 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 2, 1956 INVENTOR: fiZ/fned/ 5135M,

Patented Oct. 11, 1938 UNITED STATES:

METALLIC PARTITIONING Alfred BI B'elI, Gardner, Mass.

Application October 2,

25 Claims.

This invention relates to metallic partitioning.

and, more particularly, to hollow sectional forms thereof which are adapted for quick set-up, ready change, and expeditious dismantling when neces sary or desirable.

An important object of the invention is a novel form of partitioning wherein all the structural parts are mainly composed of sheet metal,

r and a quick connection is provided whereby the setting-up or dismantling is greatly facilitated.

Another feature of this invention has reference to a novel manner of effecting flush-joining of the panels longitudinally of the posts, whereby the latter are completely concealed when the partitioning is set-up.

A further object of this invention is to provide a hollow sound-proof partitioning, or-one in which the posts are; effectively insulated against sound conduction as between the spaced panelings. f

In addition to the above stated fundamentals,

as well as ancillary advantages, this inventioninvolves certain structural details: whereby a simple, economically fabricated, and easily set-up ing is provided.

Generally stated, the present invention con- Fig. II is a broken vertical section taken as indicated by the arrows 'IIII in Fig. I, and drawn to a larger scale.

Fig. III is a similar-scale section on the plane designated IIIIII in Fig. I.

Fig. IV is a fragmentary sectional view drawn to a larger scale, and looking in the direction of the arrows IVIV, Fig. I.

Fig. V is a broken horizontal section on the plane marked V--V in Fig. I, and likewise drawn to a larger scale for clarity in showing important-- structural features. 50.

' ignated VI-VI in Fig. I.

Fig. VII is a corresponding section on the plane VII-V11 in Fig. I.

Fig. VIII is a fragmentary view. partly in vertical section of a post bottom anchor and shim or knock-down form of sectional metal-partitiom' Fig. VI is .a staggered section on the plane des- 1936, Serial No. 103,661 (01.189-34) arrangement, taken approximately as indicated by the arrowsVIII-VIH in Fig. IV.

'Fig. IX is a horizontal section on the plane designated IX-IX in the preceding illustration.

Fig. X is a fragmentary perspective view of a preferred type of cornice in accordance with this invention.

Fig. XI is a broken perspective view of one of the posts.

Fig. XII, 'Sheet 2, is a vertical section taken on the plane designated XIIXII in Fig. VI.

Fig. XIII is a perspective view of a preferred form of anchor element adapted to this invention.

Fig. XIV is a perspective view of a preferred form of post shim for use with the anchor element of the preceding illustration.

Fig. XV is a perspective view of a clip, hereinafter more fully described.

' Fig. XVI is a fragmentary perspective view of a'modified form of post construction effective to prevent sound conduction between the paralleling panels of the partitioning.

Fig. XVII, Sheet 3; is a fragmentary-plan section illustrative of the application of the improved paneling of this invention to the modified form of post construction shown in the preceding figure; and,

Fig. XVIII is a sectional view of a slightly modifiedform of the cornice structure shown in Fig. X. I

In all the views corresponding parts are distinguished by similar reference indicia, with discriminating exponents applied where necessary.

Referring to Fig. I, the reference numeral I indicates a wall from which a length of the improved partitioning, comprehensively designated 2, extends; said partitioning comprising posts 3, glazedpanels 4, solid panels 5, a cornice 6, and door 1, all of sheet metal construction.

The posts 3 are, preferably, of the form best understood from Figs. II-IX,'XI and XII, and consist of rectangular section members embody ing'a main wallB, spaced walls 9, and confronting e'dge sections l0 jointly defining a longitudinal gap 1 l extending the full length of the post '3 in parallel relation to'the main wall 8, and for apurpose later on explained. The posts 3 are each provided'near the top and "bottom thereof with, laterally projecting pins I2, l3, respectively, drifted, or otherwise retained in registering holes I4 through the main wall 8 and confronting edge sections I0; said pins l2, l3 being adapted forengagement by clips l5 provided for the purpose on the respective panels 4, 5. Each post 3 is also provided near its bottom with vertically aligned interconnected keyhole orifices l6 in both the spaced walls 9, for a purpose hereafter set forth.

In order to rigidly secure the posts 3 to a floor, or the like, and as best understood from Figs. II, IV, VIII and IX, use is made of an anchor piece ll, Fig. XIII, and a shim l8, Fig. XIV. The anchor-piece I'l, Fig. XIII, preferably, comprises a base section l9 having a central orifice 26, and parallel upstanding flanges or tabs 2|, with central notches 2 for a purpose later on referred to, said tabs being adapted for snug fitment between the post walls 9, as well as of a width for similar engagement between the post main wall 8 and confronting edge sections l0 thereof, as will be understood from Figs. VIII and IX more particularly. The shim |,8, Fig. XIV, embodies a base 22 with an elongated slot 23 therethrough, and upstanding flanges 24 having stepped or serrated inclined edges 25 extending from the high point of said flanges down to low points proximate the entering edge 22 of the shim base 22. It is to be observed the flanges 24 parallel the slot 23 and that they are spaced apart to a dimension materially less than that intervening the flanges 2| of the anchor piece I1; also that the anchor piece I1 and shim l8 are secured in operative relation by suitable hold-down means 26. The upper surfaces of the serrated edges 25 are, preferably, slightly inclined downwardly, relative to the horizontal, in order to prevent any slippage of the shim l8 when forced below the posts 3.

Referring again to the clips I5, and as best understood from Fig. XV, each said clip is, preferably, of angular form to provide an attaching part 2! having rounded ends 21 and a clip flange 28, the latter preferably having its ends curved at 29, to form lead-in or out camming sections, for coaction with the pins l2, l3 as later on explained. Or the clips |5 may, obviously, be otherwise formed with suitable attaching means, other than the part 21, as may be found expedient or desirable.

Each glazed or solid panel 4, 5, respectively and preferably, has both of its sheet metal facing elements 36, Figs, II-VII, laterally extended and retroverted to provide flanking flanges 3|, with the inner portion of the retroversion suitably angled at 32 for attachment to the panel body 33, which may be of appropriate insulating material with the facing elements 30 cemented thereto. These angled portions 32 afford means to which the clips l5 are secured, as by spot-welding for example, in positions suitable for coaction with the upper and lower post pins l2, I3, when the panels 4, 5 are inserted by sliding-action into place between spaced posts 3. As the respective panels 4, 5 are slid into position and adjoining relation, it is to be particularlyremarked that the confronting edges of the flanges 3| abut cen trally of the post spaced walls 9, or medially lengthwise thereof, with a flush fit at 34 and thereby completely conceal the posts 3, when the partition 2 is set up.

The left-hand solid or wall-abutting panels 5, Figs. I and V, are each provided at one vertical edge only with a flanking flange 3|, and at the other vertical edge the sheet metal facing is extended to constitute a plain flange 35, for engagement between the gripping jaws 36, 31 of a wall channel 38. This wall channel 38 is preferably, although not essentially, fabricated of sheet metal to the cross-section shown at the left-hand side of Fig. V; that is to say, it embodies a web portion having longitudinal stiffening ribs 39, and flanges with their edges inwardly retroverted at 40 to form the gripping jaws 36. Correspondingly the inner flanges 31 of the wall channel 38 are made of sheet metal to provide attaching flanges 4| rigidly secure, as by spot-welds for instance, to said wall channel stiffening ribs 39; and an angled ridge 42 for point contact with the inner surface of the panel flanges 35 in opposition to the grippingjaws36 aforesaid. I

The window-frame jambs or vertical rails 43 of the glazed panels 4 are, preferably, of the crosssection shown in the central portion of Fig. V; that is'to say, each jamb 43 is made from sheet metal to provide a rectangular-section rail 44 with an integral facing-flange 45 projecting from one of its corners, for engagement with the partition posts 3. The flange 45 is made by retroversion of part of the sheet metal into meeting relation in the plane of one of the post portion inner or outer walls 9, as clearly understandable by those conversant with the art; while its free edge portion is angled at 45 and to which clips |5 are attached for window-retaining engagement by the projecting ends of the registering partition post pins 12, as hereinbefore described in connection with the respective panels 4, 5. The vertical and horizontal muntin of the windows, respectively comprise opposing substantially closed rectangular-section sheet-metal elements 46, 46' having longitudinal openings 41 in their confronting walls for reception of a connector member 48 of the cross-section shown in Figs. II and V. This connector member 48 is of somewhat hollow-fork cross-section or shaped to define a channel leg-portion 49 having holes at spaced intervals for reception of securing means 5|] passed through registering apertures 1n the rail 46, and said member 48 also embodies outwardly directed angular portions 5| with inclined flanges 52. It is to be noted the angular portions 5| and flanges 52 are of such dimensions as to slidably engage the confronting edges of the openings 41 and the diagonally-opposed inner corners of the rail 46' into which the connector member 48 is first slid; while it will be also understood that when the opposing rail 46 is similarly applied to the: channel leg portion 49, and the securing means 56 affixed, the glazing 53 will be properly clamped in place. It is also to be particularly noted that 'the confronting edges of the rail 46 that define its opening 41 are outwardly angled at 46a for engagement with the leg portion 49 and that the muntin is disposed inside of the parting line so as to facilitate setting-up and dismantling of the glazed panels 4.

The glazed panel window sills are preferably formed, as shown in Fig. II, by extending both sheet metal facing elements 3|], of thepanels4,upwards and inwards at 54, then bending the same to form horizontal parts 55, in a common plane, turning one of said parts downwards at 56, and downwardly stepping the opposing part 55 to provide anangular seat 5l for the bottom of the glazing 53. This seat 51 also embodies a flanking runner 58 into which the part 56 snugly fits, as readily understandable on an inspection of Fig. II. The sheet metal window lintel or top 59 is made of a cross-section to provide parallel vertical walls 60, 6| with horizontal flanges 62, preferably having their free edges downwardly angled at 63, for a purpose hereinafter explained. The wall 60 is longitudinally beaded inwardly at 64 to provide a horizontal 65, and the Wall 6| is angled at 66 with an inclined portion 61 merging intothe lower edge of said wall 9|. Adapted for coaction with the horizontal is a glazing retainer 68 of irregular cross-section and embodying a vertical flange 69 with its upper edge inwardly-turned at 10 for engagement below the confronting edge of the horizontal 65 aforesaid, and an inclined flange ll with its edge inwardly turned at I2, in conformity with the curvature upper paralleling edges inwardly lapped at I6 for reinforcing purposes, while the lower edges are correspondingly formed at 11. Theopposing sections I6 are also longitudinally and laterally'cut out at spaced intervals 18 and are rigidly secured together thereat by brace plates I9, each having an opening for electric light wires and the like, and a plurality of holes-8|, for passage of suitable attaching means 82, .Figs. II and III,

whereby the cornice 6 is secured to opposing horizontal tabs 83 at the topof the posts 3. It is to be noted that the cut-offs I8 and associated brace plates I9 are spaced at predetermined regular intervals, so that provision is'made for spacing the posts 3 as desired or found preferable, as well as to accommodate panels 4, 5 of different widths. The material separated by the cut-outs I8 is appropriately formed to provide longitudinal channels 84, 85, into the latter of which the window top flanges. 62 of Fig. 11,. or the panel facing metal top anglings 30' of Fig. III, tightly fit; while the abutting flanges 84' of the channels 84 are preferably spot welded at intervals to preventtheir separation and to additionallybrace the opposing sections I6. A sheet metal channel 88, is preferably employed to close in the cornice 6 by frictional engagement between the lapped edges I6; said channel having its lowerflangeedges turned inwardly at 8'! for seating on. the cornice brace plates I9, as clearly shown in Figs. II and III.

In order to fit the door 1 into the improved partitioning 2 of this invention, and referring to Figs. I and VI, use is madeof hollow sheet. metal jarnbs 88, preferably of the cross-section seen. to best advantage in the latter figure. Each jamb 98, it will be observed, embodies parallel facing walls 89, having the longitudinal portions retroverted and confrontingly angled at 9| to pro-.

vide facing flangesv 45, for lapping the posts 3. in themanner hereinbefore described in connection with the panels 4, 5, but, in addition thereto, to abut the main walls 8' thereof as well. The jambs 88, it will also be seen, are suitably fabricated to provide a channeled stop-portion 92, a door edge receiving-section 93, and an angular corner-trim 94. To rigidly brace the jamb walls 89, 90,'against expansion or distortion, tie element 9| are used.

at spaced intervals across the angled parts 9|; and for attaching the jambs 88 to the posts 3, use is conveniently made of clamps 95, at suitable intervals between the postpins I2, I3, said clamps bridging. the jamb angles 9I and being conveniently secured in place by screw-studs 96, in a manner clearly apparent from Fig. VI; while 91 designates the door hinges.

.Returns 98. and .ficornenposts 99,. are. shown 3 spaced wall 9. Each corner-post 99 embodies 10 inner and outer she et metal angular-components I02, I03, respectively; the inner component I02 having its flanges channeled at I04 for support of upper andlower post pins, the latter I3 only being visible inFig. VII. The outer corner-post component I03, has its flanges-retroverted and inwardly angled at I05, for securement thereto 01 clips I5 whereby said component is held in engagement with the inner projecting ends of the pins I3, as clearly understandable from an examination of Fig. VII; while the connected panel5, for example, is of the typepreviously described, hence corresponding reference characters are employedto obviate repetitive explanation. The inner-"component I02 ofthe corner post 99 is also longitudinally stepped or angularly-grooved at I06 for abutting reception of the inner corner panel flanges, pins I3 being provided for engage-' ment by the clips I5 on said flanges, in accordance with the preceding disclosure.

I For sustaining the several panels 3, 4 at their lower edges, in spaced relation to the floor level, use may be made of sheet metal channel supports 1 I01, preferably of the cross section best shown in Fig. II, said supports embodying gutters I98 flanking their flanges I09 on the inside for reception of base flanges H0 formed of the panel facing elements 30, similar to the side flanges 45, hereinbefore explained. These supports I01, in turn, rest at their extremities upon angle brackets III secured by bolts IIZ, studs or other suitable means, to the post edge sections I0, in an obvious manner.

Floor trim or mop stripping H3, likewise made of sheet metal, is applied to either or both sides of the partitioning 2, said stripping having its lower portion retroverted into mutual contact at II4,- and'being provided with opposed grip tongues 'I I5, at intervals of its length, for frictional engagement with the inner confronting faces of the upstanding flanges f of suitable channels c rigidly secured to the floor intermediate the anchor-pieces I'I. The'upper portion of the mop stripping H3 is 'spacially retroverted at H6 for snug engagement between the panel facingelements 30 and the support flanges I09. Plinth pieces III, preferably, consisting of sheet metal slabs ;having the upper edge inwardly angled at II8, for contact with the panel facing elements 30, are provided in conjunction with the partitioning posts 3, said plinths II I being convenientlyheld inv place by headed studs II9, projectingtherefrom, passing through the keyhole orifices I6 and snugly engaging against the inner face of the post spaced-walls ,9.

In some instances the anchor piece notches 2| I are designed to ,clear thelower plinth studs H9, when it is desirable said flanges project upwardly well within the posts 3; or the mop-stripping I I3 is of a shorter vertical height with the studs 9 correspondingly allocated to a lower. level and closer spacing; or the key-hole orifices I6, are allocated to a low level as indicated in Fig. XI.

. Apertures'l20, Figs. II and IV more particularly, are provided wherever desirable through the post pins I2, I3. 60.

out the length of the posts 3 for entry of electric wiring and so forth; while posts end cut-outs I 2|, Fig. XI, may be provided for coaction with the top edge of the shim flanges 24, in an obvious manner, if deemed advisable or expedient. Furthermore, when the use of shims I8 is found unnecessary, the posts 3 will seat on the anchor pieces 11, as readily understood by those acquainted with sheet metal constructional-work; while the partitioning 2 may be surmounted by a grille I 22, Figs. I, II and III, left open, or be closed to ceiling level as desired. 7

I23, Fig. III, indicates spaced holes in the post main wall 8 for free passage of the screw studs 96 into the clips 95; and I24 designates associated elongated intervening openings whereby finger access can be had to the clips 95 for positioning where desired, above or below the openings I24.

Referring now to Figs. XVI and XVII which show a modified form of post 3w, it will be noted the same comprises opposed channels I25, which are permanently united by connector elements I26 and rivets I2'I, for example, intermediate spacedly-confronting flanges I28 of said channels, with intervening strips I29 of appropriate insulating material. It is also to be particularly observed that the connector elements I26 are of a Width less than that intervening the web portions of the channels I25 to afford clearances I30; also that said elements and the insulation strips I29 are notched out at I3I, I32, respectively, in order to clear the pins I2 or I3 and eliminate metal to metal sound conduction between the several parts of the post 3a; as well as sound conduction across the panel hollows or between the facing elements 30, in an obvious manner.

In Fig. XVIII is shown a slight modification of the cornice 6 wherein the flanges 84' of the elements I6 are spaced apart with an intervening strip 84" of insulating material, and said flanges are connected together by securing means 84" in an obvious manner, to prevent sound conduction therebetween.

Briefly stated, a partition 2 in accordance with this invention is set-up in the field as follows. Assuming the required door jambs 88 to be first secured to the associated posts 3 or 3:1. by passing the clamp plates 95 through the post openings I24 and threading the screw-studs 96 thereinto,

in an obvious manner, the procedure is as follows. The anchor-pieces I1 and shims I8 being first placed in position and the hold-down means 26 applied, the respective posts 3, corner posts 99, and door frame posts 3, 88 are consecutively set-up with application of the intervening panels 5, 4 and 5 and engagement of the clips I5 with It will now be understood that after each such panel at one side of the partition 2 is put in place the flanking posts 3 and 99, or succeeding posts 3 and 3, 88 are vertically adjusted plumb and to a common height, by the shims I8 when the hold down means 26 are tightened-up. After each panel 5, 4 at one side of the partition is set-up, and the adjustments made, as just described, the opposing panel 5, 4 is inserted by movement upwardly and downwardly to bring the clips I5 into engagement with the associated pins I2, I3, whereupon the successive panels 4, 5 are correspondingly erected until the partition is complete, whereupon the cornice 6 and grille I22--if used-are applied as hereinbefore disclosed; when the door I is hung. From the foregoing the erections of a return 98 will be well understood without further elaboration herein.

The foregoing completes a description of the fabrication and manner of assembly in the field of preferred embodiments of this invention, but it is to be expressly understood no limitation to the precise form and details herein disclosed is intended; inasmuch as various changes, omissions and substitutions, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of said invention, as more concisely defined by the following claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. Partitioning comprising posts having spaced longitudinal faces, panels with facing elements extended therebeyond and retroverted to form flanges for mutual edge abutment medially lengthwise of the post spaced faces, means for securing the panels between the posts by relative sliding action, and means for anchoring the posts in position including coactive shims having portions inclined to the horizontal whereby the posts are vertically adjustable.

2. Partitioning comprising posts having parallel longitudinal faces, hollow panels with facing elements extended and retroverted to form side flanges for mutual edge abutment medially lengthwise of the post parallel faces, means for securing the panels between the posts by relative sliding action, and means for anchoring the posts in position including coactive shims embodying inclined portions whereby the posts are vertically adjustable, in combination with mop-stripping having gripping tongues for engagement with the flanges of channels secured to the floor intermediate the anchoring means.

3. Partitioning comprising sheet metal posts having flat faces, spaced pins projecting in planes parallel to the post flat faces and panels with sheet metal facings laterally extended and retroverted to form flanges for mutual edge abutment medially lengthwise of the post flat faces, said retroversions having the inner portions suitably angled for overlap attachment to the proximate edges of the panel body, and clip means for securing the panel flanges to the pins aforesaid.

4. Partitioning as defined in claim 3 wherein the clip means are of angular form, one flange with rounded end edges and serving for attachment to the panel facing inner angled portions, and the other flange having outwardly curved ends for lead-in or out camming coaction with the post projecting pins.

5. Partitioning comprising sheet metal posts having opposing flat faces, spaced pins extended therethrough to provide projecting ends in planes parallel to said flat faces, panels with sheet metal facings laterally extended and retroverted to form side flanges for mutual edge abutment medially lengthwise of the post flat faces, the retro versions having their inner portions formed for edge overlap attachment to the panel body proximate edges, means for securing the panel flanges to the posts by sliding action, and means for anchoring the posts in vertical position including shims with serrated inclined edges whereby the posts are vertically adjustable, in combination with mop-stripping having grip tongues for clamping engagement over the upstanding flanges of channels secured to the floor intermediate the anchoring means.

6. Partitioning comprising sheet metal posts having opposing flat faces; spaced pins passed through the posts to provide projecting ends in planes parallel with said flat faces; panels having sheet metal facings extended and retroverted to form side and bottom .flanges, the side flanges being adapted for-mutualedge abutment medially lengthwise of the post flat faces; the retroverted bottom flanges: being suitably shaped for edge overlap of the confronting panel body portion, and the top facing extension being angled downwardly over the panel body; means for securing the panel side flanges to the post pin ends by sliding action; and sheet metal anchorages with upstanding flanges for securing the. posts in vertical position including shims embodying serrated inclined-edges whereby the posts are vertically adjustable; in, combination'with sheet metal mop-stripping'having tonguesfor engagement over the upstanding flanges of floor'channels between the anchorages and snug engagement with the panel facings aforesaid; and sheet metal plinths for application over. the mop-stripping ends and removable connection to' the posts.

'7. Partitioning comprising sheet metal posts having opposing flat faces and inwardly-directed tabs at their upper ends, spaced'pins passed through the posts to provide, projecting ends in planes parallel to the flat faces; panelshaving sheet metal facings extendedand retroverted'to form side and bottom flanges, the side =flanges adapted for nrutual edge abutment medially lengthwise of the post flat faces, retroverted bottom flanges suitably shaped for'edge overlap with the confronting panel body portion and the top facing extension being angled downwardly thereover; sheet metal channels embodyinggutters flanking their side flanges for supporting-the panelsintermediate the postsin spaced relation to. floor level; means. securing the panel side flanges to the post pin'ends by sliding action; sheet metal anchorages embodying upstanding flanges with associated shims, saidshims having serrated inclined-edges for respectively securing and adjusting the posts in vertical position; sheet metal mop-stripping having spacial upper retroversions for engagement in thechannel support gutters, andgrip tongues engaging'over-the upstanding flanges of floor channels intermediate the anchorages; and sheet metal plinths over the mop-stripping ends and removably attached to the posts by pin-and-slot connection; in combination with a sheet metal cornice comprising opposed sections, each of which embodies an inverted channel portion seating on the panel upper edge, and intervening brace plates permanenently securing the opposed cornice sections together and for attaching said cornice to the post tabs.

8. In partitioning as defined in claim '7, the

combination of posts each of which is of recrected horizontal tabs, and key-hole orifices in the spaced walls proximate the post lower ends.

9. In partitioning as defined in claim '7 the combination of posts each of which comprises opposed channels, a connector element intermediate confronting flanges of said channels, strip insulation between said flanges and the connector element, and means permanently securing said parts together.

10. In partitioning as defined in claim 7 the combination of posts each of which comprises opposedly-directed channels; a connector element intermediate planarly-related flanges of said channels and of less Width than that intervening' their web portions; strip insulation between the channel flanges and the connector confronting edge portions; means permanently securing the channel flanges,- strip insulation and connector together; 7 pins projected through the channel flanges; and notchings in the strip insulation and connector edges defining clearance about the said'pins. r

11. In-partitioning as defined in claim 7, the combination of postanchorages each of which embodies a base section with an orifice therethrough .for passage of appropriate securing means, and parallel upstanding flanges for engagement between the .inner ends of the post flat-face portions.

12. In partitioning as defined in claim 7 the combination of post anchorages each of which embodies a rectangular base, section with an orifice therethrough for passage of suitable securing means, parallel upstanding flanges of narrower widththan the base for engagement betweenthe inner ends of the post flat-face portions, and notches in the upper edges of said flanges for the purpose specified.

'13.'In partitioning as defined in claim 7 the combination of post shims each of which embodiesa rectangular base with an elongate slot therethrough; upstanding inclined flanges, along parallel sidesof the base, of a spacial dimension for clear passage between the anchorage flanges, and said flanges having their inclined edges serrated. I v

' 14.v In partitioning as defined in, claim 7 the combination of post anchorage shims each of which embodies a rectangular base with anelongate slot therethrough; upstanding inclined flanges extending along parallel sides of the base, of a spacial dimension for clear passage between the anchorage flanges, and said flanges having their inclined .edges serrated, with the serrated edges of one flange opposedly beveled to those of the other flange.

-15. In partitioning as defined in claim 7 the combination of mop-stripping consisting of sheet metal having the lower edge retroverted and pro-. Vided with grip tongues efiective downwardly to engage the upstanding flanges of the floor channel, and the upper edge of said stripping being retroverted into paralleling relation therewith.

16. In partitioning as defined in claim 7 the combination of panel supports each of which consists of an inverted sheet metal channel-section intervening the respective posts, said section embodying gutters flanking its flanges for snug reception of the panel. lower edge flange and seating at its ends on angle-brackets secured to' the posts.

17. In partitioning as defined in claim '7 the combination of plinths, each of which consists of a rectangular sheet metal slab with the upper edge angled for engagement with the panel facing, and said plinths having headed projections for passage through key-hole slots in the post and gripping engagement with the inner faces of said post spaced walls.

18. In partitioning as defined in claim 7 the combination of a cornice consisting of opposed sheet metal elements with the free edges inwardly lapped, one of said edges being formed to channel-section for seating on the panel upper edges, spaced braces permanently securing the opposed elements in parallelism, and said braces being adapted for attachment to the post upper end inwardly directed tabs.

19. In partitioning as defined in claim 7 the combination of a cornice comprising opposed sheet metal elements with the longitudinal edges inwardly lapped, one of said edges of each element being formed to inverted channel-section for seating on the panel upperedge, spacer plates at intervals permanently securing the opposed cornice elements in parallelism, each said plate being centrally apertured and adapted for attachment to the post upper end inwardly-directed tabs, and a sheet metal channel-section closure frictionally engaging between the opposed elements of the cornice, said closure having its lower edges inwardly shaped to seat on the inverted channel-section portions of the cornice elements.

20. In partitioning as claimed in claim 7 the combination of hollow door jambs formed of sheet metal to include parallel facing walls with the longitudinal edge portions retroverted and confrontingly-angled to provide facing flanges for engagement with the post flat faces, the confrontingly angled portions being secured together at intervals by permanently-afiixed ,tie elements to prevent expansion or distortion, said jambs having the intervening portion suitably shaped to provide a channeled stop section longitudinally thereof, a door edge receiving section, and an indented angular corner-trim; and means for securing said jambs to the partitioning posts.

21. In partitioning as claimed in claim 7 the combination of corner posts, each said post comprising inner and outer sheet metal angular components, the inner component having its ridge inwardly-grooved and the flange edges channeled; and the outer component having its flange edges retroverted and inwardly-angled for engagement with the inner component channel webs; and means whereby said corner post components are connected together and to the partitioning panels.

22. In partitioning as defined in claim 7 the combination of a cornice comprising opposed angular-section sheet metal elements, one angular portion having the longitudinal edge inwardly lapped and the other portion being formed to parallel channel sections with the flange adjoining the first mentioned angular portion relatively lapped inwards, sheet metal braces permanently securing said elements together in parallelism and affording attaching means for the post tops, and means uniting the inner confronting channel flanges in abutting relation.

23. In partitioning as defined in claim 7 the combination of a cornice comprising opposed angular-section sheet metal elements, one angular portion having the longitudinal edge inwardly lapped and the other portion being formed to parallel channel sections with the flange adjoining the first mentioned angular portion relatively lapped inwards, sheet metal braces permanently securing said elements together in parallelism and affording attaching means for the post tops, insulating means intervening the inner confronting channel section flanges, and means securing the opposing angular section elements permanently together through the said confronting flanges and insulating means.

24. Partitioning comprising sheet metal posts having fiat faces, spaced pins projecting from said posts in planes parallel to their flat faces, panels with sheet metal facings laterally extended and retroverted to form flanges for edge abutment lengthwise of the post flat faces, and said panels having lateral clips each of which has curved ends with an intervening part for engagement inwardly of the pin projections.

25. Partitioning comprising posts having parallel longitudinal faces, solid and glazed panels with facing elements laterally extended and retroverted to form side flanges for mutual edge abutment medially lengthwise of the post parallel faces, means for securing the panels between the posts by relative sliding action, and means for anchoring the posts in position including coaotive shims having serrated-edge inclinedflanges whereby the posts are longitudinally adjustable, in combination with mop-stripping having grip tongues for engagement with the upstanding flanges of suitable channels fixed to the floor intermediate the anchoring means.

ALFRED B. BELL. 45 

